A pure substance consists of identical particles, while mixtures contain two or more substances mixed together. Solutions are homogeneous mixtures where one substance dissolves in another. The component present in larger amount is the solvent, and the component present in smaller amount is the solute. Solutions are homogeneous mixtures on a microscopic scale, while suspensions are heterogeneous mixtures where particles remain suspended throughout. Colloidal solutions are heterogeneous mixtures with particle sizes between solutions and suspensions.